A New Form of Breast Cancer

Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and areola. It appears as a rash, which later becomes a lesion with a crusty outer edge. Sometimes, it itches and gets sore but looks harmless. It may start as a single red pimple on the aureole.

One of the biggest problems with Paget's disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care. What are the symptoms? 

The symptoms include:

1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of the nipple causing it to itch and burn. 

2. A sore on the nipple that will not heal. 

3. Usually only one nipple is affected.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will do a physical exam and will suggest having a mammogram of both the breasts, to be done immediately. Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.

(Based on net resources)

Published on 19th May 2002

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